Top 8 Lakes around Hollington
Best lakes around Hollington offers a diverse landscape featuring natural ponds, man-made reservoirs, and parkland lakes. The area provides opportunities to explore historical sites, nature reserves, and recreational parks centered around water features. Visitors can find a mix of tranquil woodlands and accessible park environments. This region is characterized by its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with many lakes integrated into larger estates or public parks.
Best lakes around Hollington
- The most popular lakes is Osmaston Park Sawmill…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Osmaston Park Sawmill
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Shirley Park Woodland and Pond
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Markeaton Park
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The Mundy family owned the area from 1516 …
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Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve
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Roadford Lake Dam
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Tips from the Community
Planning for the reservoir started in the 1960s and construction started in 1979. In 1984, there was a partial collapse of the dam before it was filled. The dam was removed before the construction of a new dam began in 1989. The finished reservoir was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.
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The nearby village of Shirley was once the seat of Earl Ferrers and the Shirley family. The parkland and woods of the estate is still called Shirley Park although the grand house is no longer evident. Walking through the woodland and along the lake side is aa nice change to the farmland of the area. The woods make a great loop either from Shirley or for a longer walk from Ashbourne.
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Markeaton Park is the most visited park in the Deby area attracting over one million visitors per year. It's about 207 acres. The Mundy family owned the area from 1516 until they gave the park to Derby council in the early 20th century.
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A beautiful park with lots of open spaces, information about flora and fauna, streams and a lake, as well as a small coffee shop.
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Nice spot, shame about the noise from the A50.
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reasonabe incline gravel climbs on each side but a lovely place to view the lake and the old timber mill water wheel
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A pleasant nature reserve worth checking out if in the area. Despite the noises from the nearby A50, it is still a calming place with hardly any visitors, and full of wildlife. A loop around the nature reserve is about 1.5 - 2 miles and there are suggested routes on a board at the entrance. Car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road. Note: most of the paths do not allow dogs.
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Osmaston Estate is a beautiful park with plenty of ancient woodlands to explore. It is well worth planning a route which ventures through this park. The sawmill is a beautiful building located by the lake and immediately adjacent to the footpath. It is surrounded by steep bank covered with a verdant forest of very tall trees. Parking is easy on the street in both nearby Shirley & Osmaston villages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Hollington?
Visitors frequently enjoy Osmaston Park Sawmill, known for its views of the lake and an old timber mill water wheel within beautiful ancient woodlands. Shirley Park Woodland and Pond is another favorite, offering woodland and lakeside walks. Markeaton Park is also very popular, featuring open spaces, streams, and a lake with various facilities.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Hollington?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Osmaston Park Sawmill, Shirley Park Woodland and Pond, and Markeaton Park are all highlighted as family-friendly. Roadford Lake Dam is also a family-friendly spot.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes around Hollington offer a mix of natural beauty. You can find ancient woodlands at Osmaston Park Sawmill, and extensive forests and a pond at Shirley Park Woodland and Pond. Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve is particularly rich in wildlife, despite some road noise, and offers a calming natural environment.
Are there historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, the area has historical significance. Osmaston Park Sawmill is a man-made structure with an old timber mill water wheel, located within a historic estate. The nearby village of Shirley, associated with Shirley Park Woodland and Pond, was once the seat of Earl Ferrers. Additionally, Roadford Lake Dam has an interesting construction history, with its finished reservoir opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The area around Hollington's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous easy hiking routes, such as loops around Osmaston Park Sawmill and Shirley Park Woodland and Pond. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Hollington guide. There are also MTB trails and running trails available.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. You can enjoy easy hikes like the loop from Edlaston and Wyaston CP that takes you past Osmaston Park Sawmill and Shirley Park Woodland and Pond. Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve also offers a pleasant 1.5-2 mile loop. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the easy hikes around Hollington guide.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available. For Osmaston Park Sawmill, parking is easy on the street in nearby Shirley and Osmaston villages. At Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, car parking can be found at the entrance alongside the road.
Are the lakes around Hollington dog-friendly?
While many outdoor areas are generally dog-friendly, it's important to note specific restrictions. For example, at Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve, most of the paths do not allow dogs. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets at each location.
Are there cafes or facilities near the lakes?
Yes, Markeaton Park is well-known for its facilities, including a small coffee shop, making it a convenient stop. Other areas might have cafes in nearby villages, such as those close to Osmaston Park Sawmill.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Hollington?
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscape, from tranquil woodlands and natural ponds to man-made reservoirs and recreational parks. The blend of natural beauty with historical sites, like the old timber mill water wheel at Osmaston Park Sawmill, is a common highlight. The extensive green spaces and facilities at places like Markeaton Park also make for a popular destination.
Can I find circular walks around the lakes?
Yes, there are options for circular walks. For instance, the woods around Shirley Park Woodland and Pond make a great loop, either starting from Shirley village or as part of a longer walk from Ashbourne. Hilton Gravel Pits Nature Reserve also offers a suggested loop route.
Most popular attractions around Hollington
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